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Topic Review (Newest First)

03-30-2009 03:52 PM

Wasserpest

No need for condolences, I think this False Flying Fox had a fairly good, long, fulfilling life.

This thread started out as a "not a journal", but then became one when I redid it at the beginning of 2007. I'll update the title.

03-30-2009 08:48 AM

BiscuitSlayer

Sorry to hear about your fish death. It always sucks when you have any fish die, but it really sucks when you have one for so long.

I know this thread is labeled as not being a journal, but it kind of is isn't it? You don't have ongoing updates, but it does show how the tank has taken on different looks over the coarse of time. I kind of like it actually. It is cool how you acheive different looks with the same tank.

03-30-2009 05:03 AM

kyle3

sorry to hear about foxy

03-30-2009 04:31 AM

Wasserpest

Years back when I set up this tank, among the first fish to populate it was a "False Flying Fox", which spent his years cleaning plants and glass. Foxy died today of old age, he got too weak to eat, and lost a lot of substance in the last couple of days. Six years is a good age though, for a fish.

I still have some others that I bought back then: two Yoyos (lost the third one due to a constipation problem), and a pair of African Butterfly fish. Along with some Otos that I have had for many years as well.

It's been YEARS since I bought fish for my tanks. One of these days I am going to redo this tank (sell/hammer it and build a new one instead). Looking forward to go fish shopping this or maybe next year.

09-11-2007 12:38 AM

Wasserpest

Several months later, plants have grown in, Cherries keep things clean, and the tank is enjoyable. With the semi-automatic water change, weekly maintenance is reduced to wiping the front glass, and ripping out some of the faster growers, halfing them, and sticking them back into the Flourite.

05-29-2007 03:40 AM

CherylH

I'm not sure on the names, but it looks like you have the 2 thinnest of the 4 types of water sprite.

05-29-2007 03:28 AM

Wasserpest

Thanks Bob, ya know, I am not sure, I always assumed I had two forms of C. thalictroides, one thinner and the other (on the very right) thicker leaved.

Thanks for the tip with the wood. It has become hopelessly overgrown by moss and Anubias. One of these days I am going to take the whole Anubias mess out and distribute it a bit thinner, hoping that will make the not-so-small root visible again.

05-28-2007 06:50 AM

Betowess

Nice Wasser! What is that plant far left (light green)? Is that a Ceratopteris silaquosa? I like its shape. Maybe you could use some more wood or hardscape in the tank. Manzanita or rocks- something to add some spice. Anyhow, you have beautiful, healthy, and nice variety of plants.

05-28-2007 05:54 AM

Wasserpest

Good things come to those who wait... Most of the algae is gone, and plants are growing well.

Not really happy with the center divide, but I have some ideas on how to improve that. Just wanted to get the Anubias to get established before ripping them out.

One of the three Yoyos developed a taste for Cherries and a great knack for hunting them down. Had to send him to my jail tank in the garage. That leaves only two, hope they don't turn on me.

I need some midwater small schooling fish, but the African Butterflies snack on anything that comes up to the surface too much. I would like to try Threadfin Rainbows (Iriatherina werneri) one day, but they seem to prefer softer waters, and at the moment, like I said, the AFB might snack them away.

03-12-2007 12:08 AM

Wasserpest

After two months, the tank is getting over its first algae explosions. Hair alga is retreating, staghorn was strong, but remains only on the Anubias on the root.

I was going to change the mirror background to something black, but I couldn't get to it easily so it is still there, making any green dust on the back glass very visible. Doesn't bother me much, one day it will be gone.

I learned that Yoyos do eat Cherry Shrimps. After a while they figured out how to get them, and now there are no more big reds in there, however a lot of juvies survived and keep cleaning.

I am letting the Wisteria in the front grow a bit larger to help in balancing out the tank, once most of the algae are gone I will remove most of that fast grower.

01-04-2007 04:48 PM

Wasserpest

Thanks all for your comments!

Will, the small crypt in the front is C. x willisii aka C. lucens. Slow growing, small staying Crypt, not as tiny as C. parva, but for a 24" tall tank it qualifies as groundcover. It's one of those patience plants... I started with one plant, which grew into a big mother plant yielding over 10 separate little plants after a year or so. Pull out, plant little ones, wait another year --> dense groundcover.

Nice thing about it is that it doesn't need much maintenance, nor high light levels.

01-04-2007 02:44 PM

will5

Hi

Wasserpest

What is the name of the plant in the forground on the right side. I think it is some kind of crypt but not sure. I really like the look of it may have to get some my self once i find out what it is.

I really love your tank it's really nice. Hope mine will look that good some day.